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5 Effective Ways to Improve Student Engagement and Behavior
Every teacher has faced it—the moment when a student’s behavior disrupts the flow of the class. But what if we viewed these behaviors not as problems but as opportunities for growth? Student behavior often reflects their skills in communication, emotional regulation, or academics. The key to supporting these behaviors lies not in punishment but in…
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How Educators Can Help Every Student Succeed in Math and Build Confidence
“Everyone is capable of mathematical thinking. It’s like an inheritance you get just for being human.” —Daniel Finkel, Founder of Math for Love. Take a minute to think about your math autobiography. Who was considered good at math in your classrooms? What were the expectations in math class? How did math make you feel? Were…
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Why Every Teacher Should Embrace Immersive Storytelling to Inspire Learning
As an Early Literacy Coach with Grand Rapids Public Schools, Lisa Darling recently participated in Kent ISD’s immersive storytelling class. In this blog post, she shares her insights on how this transformative approach can engage young learners and inspire teachers. The immersive storytelling class presented by Kent ISD was a fantastic learning experience. The event…
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Why Godfrey-Lee’s Library Stands Out: A Celebration of Excellence
Written by Kathy Lester, Kent ISD Librarian/Media Specialist Support Consultant On October 1, 2024, I was honored to attend a special event at Godfrey-Lee Public Schools. We celebrated Lee Middle and High School Library’s selection as the Model 21st Century School Library for the 2024-2025 school year. This recognition underscores the importance of effective school…
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How to Inspire and Foster True Student Engagement
How can educators transform classrooms into thriving hubs of learning and growth? In the ever-changing world of education, keeping students engaged remains critical for academic success and personal well-being (Nelson et al., 2020). Engagement is not just about showing up to class but about how deeply involved and minds-on students are in learning. So what…
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Engage All Learners: 5 Must-Know Tricks for Accessible Presentations
As I was catching up on the latest episode of the For the Purpose of… podcast on Accessible Design, it struck me—how can I, as a graphic designer, ensure my slide decks cater to all learners? Crafting inclusive and captivating presentations is essential for anyone who shares information. After all, if your audience can’t grasp…
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How Can Social Studies Inspire Student Inquiry and Civic Engagement?
Significant shifts are reshaping social studies instruction, and they’re here to stay. Have you encountered the transformative framework known as the College, Career, and Civic Life (C3) Framework for Social Studies? You’re likely familiar with its impact, even if you don’t recognize the formal name. The C3 Framework serves as a guiding light, ushering in dynamic changes…
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Unveiling the Power of Belonging: Essential Strategies for Student Success
What is belonging? According to Cornell University’s Department of Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging, belonging is ‘the feeling of security and support when there is a sense of acceptance, inclusion, and identity for a member of a certain group.’ In school communities, belonging occurs when individuals can bring their authentic selves into the learning environment. When…
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Unlocking Student Success: The Power of a Balanced Assessment System
Within education, assessments serve as a crucial foundation for evaluating student progress and measuring the efficacy of instructional methods. However, the conventional perspective of assessments, often limited to standardized tests or final exams, falls short of providing a comprehensive understanding of a student’s capabilities and journey. In response to this limitation, the concept of a…
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How Immersive Storytelling Transforms Education, Reaches Reluctant Readers, and Enhances SEL
Written by: Du Bui, STEM Consultant for Kent ISD As a child, I never got into the Dungeons & Dragons craze. In fact, like many people, I associated it with negative connotations. But a senior in high school helped change my perspective on the game. To explain, I have a side gig for Oakland University’s…